Associate Director - Leasing

AlFuttaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate in Dubai seeks an Associate Director - Leasing to lead the performance of its residential and commercial leasing portfolio. You will drive leasing strategy, revenue growth, occupancy, pricing, and portfolio optimization while coordinating with cross‑functional teams.

The role requires an experienced UAE real estate professional with a strong network of brokers, market insight, and the ability to translate portfolio objectives into asset‑level actions.

Qualifications

• 15 years of UAE real estate experience with exposure to residential and commercial leasing.
• Proven record of delivering significant leasing revenue targets.
• Experience developing and implementing portfolio‑level leasing strategies.
• Strong understanding of UAE property market dynamics.
• Knowledge of DLD and RERA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement portfolio-wide leasing strategies for residential and commercial assets.
• Translate business objectives into asset-level leasing plans and targets.
• Negotiate high-value leasing transactions and optimize pricing structures.
• Oversee leasing lifecycle from lead generation to contract execution.
• Collaborate with Asset Management, Finance, Marketing, and Legal to maximize yield.

Skills

UAE real estate experience

Leasing leadership

Financial analysis

Market knowledge (Dubai)

CRM proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing

MBA advantageous

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

CRM systems

Job description

Associate Director - Leasing

Role: Associate Director of Leasing

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Real Estate

Function: Real Estate Leasing-Acquisition

Experience: 15 years of UAE real estate experience

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Dubai

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Job Type: Full-time

Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is hiring an Associate Director - Leasing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to lead the performance of its residential and commercial leasing portfolio. The role is accountable for leasing strategy, revenue growth, occupancy, pricing, portfolio optimization, business development, and complex negotiations. Leading the Leasing and Leasing Administration teams, the Associate Director will translate portfolio objectives into asset‑level strategies while working across Asset Management, Finance, Property Management, Development, Marketing, and Legal to strengthen overall portfolio performance.

The Associate Director of Leasing will provide strategic and commercial leadership across the residential and commercial portfolio. The position requires an experienced UAE real estate professional who can combine market intelligence, financial analysis, pricing strategy, customer segmentation, broker relationships, and team leadership to achieve leasing revenue and occupancy objectives. The role covers the complete leasing lifecycle, from market positioning and lead generation through negotiation and contract execution. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting asset value, improving portfolio yield, reducing vacancies, developing new revenue opportunities, and maintaining transaction compliance with UAE requirements.

Leasing Strategy and Portfolio Performance

• Develop and implement portfolio-wide leasing strategies for residential and commercial assets.
• Translate business objectives into clear asset‑level leasing plans, targets, and priorities.
• Evaluate market conditions, pricing, customer demand, vacancy levels, lease expiries, customer segments, and competitor activity.
• Adapt leasing strategies in response to changing market conditions and portfolio performance.
• Drive achievement of annual leasing revenue and portfolio occupancy targets.
• Support year-on-year revenue growth through disciplined commercial planning.
• Develop strategies for new leases, renewals, expansions, and tenant retention.

Revenue Growth and Portfolio Optimisation

• Identify opportunities to improve portfolio revenue and financial performance.
• Optimize rental pricing, lease structures, incentives, inventory, and customer segmentation.
• Work with Asset Management and Finance to assess the financial implications of major leasing decisions.
• Ensure leasing activities support long‑term asset objectives.
• Drive rental income growth and portfolio yield improvement.
• Proactively manage vacant units to strengthen occupancy.
• Pursue appropriate rental uplift opportunities during renewals.

Business Development and Market Reach

• Develop a strong pipeline of prospective customers and tenants.
• Use existing UAE market relationships to identify new leasing opportunities.
• Generate incremental leasing revenue through new business channels.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with UAE brokers and channel partners.
• Establish clear expectations for broker performance.
• Prioritize relationships with productive and strategically important partners.
• Expand the network of relevant broker relationships.

Pricing and Complex Negotiations

• Lead negotiations for high‑value and complex leasing and sales transactions.
• Ensure rental pricing and commercial terms remain aligned with approved objectives.
• Structure incentives appropriately while protecting portfolio value.
• Evaluate proposed transaction terms against approved pricing benchmarks.
• Apply strong commercial judgment when balancing occupancy, revenue, and long‑term asset objectives.

Market Intelligence and Positioning

• Maintain detailed knowledge of the Dubai Festival City property market.
• Monitor property values, rental trends, customer behaviour, demand, and competitive activity.
• Conduct regular market reviews to identify changes and emerging opportunities.
• Translate market intelligence into recommendations for leasing strategy.
• Provide insights that support product positioning and strategic pricing decisions.

End-to-End Transaction Management

• Oversee the complete leasing transaction lifecycle from lead generation through contract execution.
• Coordinate negotiations and documentation with relevant stakeholders.
• Work closely with Leasing Administration, Legal, and Finance to maintain transaction accuracy.
• Ensure leasing transactions comply with applicable UAE regulations.
• Support completion of transactions within agreed timelines.
• Maintain appropriate standards of documentation throughout the leasing process.

Team Leadership and Capability Development

• Set measurable team targets aligned with portfolio objectives.
• Monitor individual and team performance.
• Develop team capability and improve productivity.
• Strengthen accountability for leasing and revenue outcomes.
• Support employee engagement and professional development.
• Ensure teams are equipped to manage the complete leasing transaction process effectively.

Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with Asset Management, Development, Property Management, Finance, Marketing, and Legal.
• Align leasing priorities with wider asset and business objectives.
• Provide leasing expertise when developing asset plans.
• Contribute to strategic pricing and portfolio decisions.
• Coordinate cross‑functional initiatives affecting leasing performance.
• Resolve commercial and operational issues in a timely manner.

What Qualifies You for the Role

• 15 years of UAE real estate experience with exposure to residential and commercial leasing.
• Proven record of delivering significant leasing revenue targets.
• Experience developing and implementing portfolio‑level leasing strategies.
• Strong understanding of UAE property market dynamics.
• Knowledge of DLD and RERA regulations.
• Established network across UAE brokers.
• Demonstrated ability to generate new business through market relationships.
• Strong financial and analytical capabilities covering pricing, forecasting, and revenue optimization.
• Experience leading Sales, Leasing, and Leasing Administration teams.
• Experience managing the complete transaction lifecycle.
• Bachelor 's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• RICS, CCIM, or equivalent professional real estate qualification is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant CRM systems.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate

Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is the real estate development and operations arm of Al‑Futtaim, responsible for a multi‑billion‑dollar portfolio across the MENA region. Its activities span the development, sales, leasing, operation, and management of residential, business, retail, tourism, education, and healthcare developments. Its portfolio includes the large‑scale mixed‑use destinations Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.